Quality Framework for out-of-school and playwork providers

Beyond Quality is a play-centred quality framework which helps out-of-school clubs, holiday play schemes and other Playwork settings to develop and improve their practice.

It is a self-evaluation and development toolkit which has been designed, created and piloted by Cambridgeshire County Council, and is now available nationally.

Contents and usage

It can be used to review quality across all areas of provision. It involves all staff in the quality journey and encourages a cycle of continuous reflection for individuals and teams.

Beyond Quality combines the Playwork Principles and the latest theories and concepts with the practical know-how and quality development experience of Cambridgeshire’s advisory teams.

The toolkit has been reviewed and revised to reflect recent Ofsted changes and supports the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (2014).

We have developed a specialist product which can add significant value through its evidence based approach.

Beyond Quality can be offered:

• as a stand-alone resource• with implementation support for your local authority adviser teams• as a supported model to implement with providers in your area• with additional training support• bespoke and tailored to your needs

Review of 'Playwork - Beyond Quality'

Playwork - Beyond Quality was reviewed by Yanina Koszalinski, Trustee and Chairperson at Pitsmoor Adventure Playground in Sheffield. Her review can be read in full in the April 2016 edition of the Journal of Playwork Practice. Below we have selected a few key comments:

“Playwork – Beyond Quality is a valuable tool that should be a working manual and not put up on the top shelf and left to gather dust”

“…it encourages an inclusive process, and volunteers, paid staff and management committee members all have a role in gathering the evidence”

“…well-written and presented in a coherent format”

"...many QA Schemes, in essence, can be a tick box checklist undertaken by the manager. Playwork Beyond Quality is different. It has a root-and-branch approach, involving everyone within the playwork setting in a process of self evaluation and quality improvement."